Updated HVAC Federal Regional Standard in Lawton OK

Dear Consumer,

We would like to take this opportunity to explain some of the upcoming changes in minimum SEER ratings for our area that will take place January 1, 2015. Central heat pumps will have a new Federal National Standard of 14 SEER (seasonal energy efficiency ratio) instead of the existing 13 SEER. The new Federal Regional Standards for central air conditioners splits the U.S. map into three distinct regions based on the heating degree days or the climate of a state. Oklahoma falls in the South region. The current base standard of 13 SEER will increase to 14 SEER as of January 1, 2015. Any 13 SEER equipment manufactured before January 1, 2015 may be installed through July 1, 2016 in the South region. The base standard for other regions on the map ranges from 13 SEER to 14 SEER.

At the same time, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has published a new ruling on the yellow energy guide label guidelines that manufacturers of air conditioners and heat pumps must comply with beginning January 1, 2015. The yellow energy guide label shows the energy consumed by the device as well as a comparison of the equipment’s efficiency to similar equipment in the market. The upper portion of the updated label will now show a range of the product’s efficiency rating rather than a single number. It will also state the installed efficiency of the system depends on the installed coil. The lower portion of the label will contain information about the equipment in relation to the Department of Energy’s Federal Regional Standards.

What does this mean to you as the consumer?

You will not need to do anything until you’re ready to repair vs. replace/upgrade your existing system. Let’s consider a system that has an energy guide label range from 13-14.5 SEER depending on the indoor system, blower, and coil combinations. This outdoor unit may be matched with a variety of indoor units which would allow it to be installed in all three regions. As the consumer, you will want to make sure that your system is compliant to the new Federal Regional Standards for your area. Here are some helpful tips when you are looking for a contractor to install your new heating and air system:

Make sure the contractor includes the model and serial number of all equipment installed in your home on your invoice.

The contractor should include the AHRI (Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute) certificate for your system that you have purchased. This certificate will state the exact SEER rating for the combination of indoor and outdoor equipment that you purchased.

We hope the information we have provided to you will help you to be an informed consumer whenever you are ready to purchase your next heating and air system. Please feel free to call us at (580) 875-3645 if you have any questions of concerns. We would love to talk to you!